Figures released Thursday by the state Department of Labor showed total private employment of 203,200 in Orange and Dutchess counties, up 100 from October 2011.

Ulster County reported 46,500 employed in the private sector last month, up from 45,300 in 2011. That 2.6 percent increase was among the largest in the state.

Private employment in Sullivan County rose by 100.

New York state’s unemployment rate dropped to 8.7 percent from 8.9 percent in September, but is up from 8.2 percent a year ago. As private employers showed signs of growth, government employment continued to decline. The Hudson Valley last month had 1,700 fewer government jobs than a year ago.